HI Fans,

Carpenters "Books of Memories" gets fatter and fatter each birthday and holiday, thanks to you thoughtful fans. Their greeting card book is especially plump since Karen & Mom Carpenters' birthdays. They both send sincere thanks for the lovely cards and gifts that arrived from countries throughout the world.

Commendations to our Japanese fans on their artistic talent. It is so profound it seems they are born with pencils in hand. It is evident in their letters which are embellished with beautiful sketches and colorings. Tiny handmade doll bookmarks are enclosed with some of the letters, or colorful, minute birds, frogs, windmills, men & woman, etc cleverly created from small pieces of paper folded at various angles. Their handwriting, too, is artistically legible, their spelling is excellent and the messages they send are poetically phrased.

Carpenters new single Only Yesterday will win another gold record for them. Memos of advanced overseas sales are already pouring in. K & R were presented 2 gold records each for Please Mr Postman from A & M Records. There will be more from the Record Industry as well as some from foreign countries for high sales. Both songs will be on their forthcoming album Horizon which they are recording now. Inquiries concerning the traveling Carpenter "family" have been numerous lately so will give you a thumbnail biography of each member.

BOB MESSENGER - birthday Sept. 30, has a wife Joan, a daughter Suzanne and a son Forrest. Bob was born in Pittsburgh, Kansas, raised in Bremerton, Wash. and later, moved to Lynwood, CA where he graduated from high school. While attending various universities, he played in several local groups for clubs and organizations in So. CA. In 1969 he signed with Carpenters as electric bass player, doubling on sax, flute and clarinet He is also adept at keyboard and string bass. He's worked in the commercial art field and still has an interest in it. He is a very quiet person, enjoys playing chess and is a member of several local chess clubs.

TONY PELUSO - birthday March 28, unmarried, born & raised in Los Angeles, CA. He joined Carpenters in 1971 as a guitarist and vocalist and also doubles on electric bass and keyboard. Prior, he had his own group called Instant Joy who played back-up music for Paul Revere & the Raiders, Mark Lindsey and Bobby Sherman. Tony is also the producer of Bobbidazzler, a 5 piece group that has 2 brothers as lead singers. Watch for them on A & M Records. Bobbidazzler is a Scottish word which, in our present day slang means "outasite". Tony has recently written 2 songs, Sailing On The Tide and Happy. Both songs will be on Carpenters new album. Happy is also on the flip side of Only Yesterday.

DOUG STRAWN - birthday Sept. 4, unmarried, born in Long Branch, N.Y. and raised in Canton, Ohio. He was one of a barbershop quartet, Disneyland's "Dapper Dans" before Joining K & R as vocalist and instrumentalist in 1968. Doug plays electric clarinet, Organ and sax. He received his B A degree from Long Beach State and is the only graduate to perform senior recitals in three fields - vocal, clarinet and conducting. He is an excellent pianist, having studied piano for 9 years. Doug is outgoing, friendly and quite a comedian. His outside interests are boating; classical chorale and people.

DANNY WOODHAMS - birthday Jan. 8, married to London born Kay. No children. He was born in Ukiah, CA and raised in Sonora, CA. He attended Long Beach State where he met Richard through their mutual interest and membership in the college choir. As a vocalist and electric bass player, he was one of the first to Join Richard's group, then known as Spectrum (1967). Daytime he worked as a purchasing agent. Other talents include playing classical violin and classical guitar. His hobby is photography and he is specially good at portraits. Danny is friendly, outgoing and loves to learn about people by listening to them.

SHERWIN BASH - birthday April 19, wife's name is Bobby, 2 daughters, Kym & Randy. He was born and raised in New York City and has been in the music business for 25 years. He managed an unknown trumpet player and put him on the road to wealth fame. This same trumpet player, the great Mr. Herb Alpert later discovered Carpenters and became their boss at A & M Records. Mr. Bash is an excellent artist in commercial art and has had experience in that field. He plays piano, though not professionally. He is very outgoing, warm, affectionate and happy. He loves his work, which includes being manager of K & R.

CURT MERCER - birthday Oct. 6, wife's name, Clare, 2 daughters, Cindee & Cecily. Curt was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y. He was an actor for 16 years working in musicals, comedies, films, stage, and TV. His interest eventually turned to theatrical production and for a time, worked as production manager for various films and stage shows. He being an expert at lighting and worked as lighting manager for many famous "middle of the road" musicians and singers. These included Herb Albert, Peter Nero, Mitzi Gaynor, Joey Heatherton & Sammy Davis Jr. He was with Burt Bacharach when he met R & K and accepted their offer to be their full time lighting manager. Curt is very creative and enjoys building miniature railroads, towns and castles. He collects books on King Arthur and Lawrence of Arabia. He enjoys playing basketball and for a time was a semi-professional player in an Eastern league.

ROGER YOUNG - birthday July 1, unmarried. A native Californian, he was born in Long Beach and raised in Buena Park. He was a music major at Long Beach State, studying French horn and the trumpet. Though he was attending K & R's Alma Mater at the same time they were, their paths never crossed and they did not know each other while students there. After college, he worked at A & M Recording Studio as a sound engineer where he finally met Carpenters. He now travels with them as their sound engineer for concerts, records and TV. Extremely friendly, he loves to joke, likes to listen to music and is an avid baseball fan. He hopes for second base position when Carpenters play softball this summer.

MARK RUDOLPH - birthday Aug. 2, nickname "Bear", wife's name Janet, no children. Born and raised in Baltimore, Ma. First cousin to K & R. (His mom and their mom are sisters.) He joined the group as a roadie in June 1971 after graduating from high school, and soon worked his way up to Road Manager. He loves to play football and was a member of his high school football team. He feels very much at home in a kitchen where he loves to try out new recipes; and best of all he loves to eat what he cooks.

SANDY HOLLAND - birthday Sept. 16, native of California, she was born in Burbank and raised in Van Nuys. While employed at Baron's Hair Styling in Studio City, she was recommended to Karen by a mutual friend. She joined the roadies in March 1974 as Karen's hairdresser. She is very artistic and creative in both needlepoint and beadwork. She loves to be with people she loves traveling and is very fond of animals, including her own English Cocker.

ROBERT WELLBORN - birthday Dec. 3, wife's name, Becky, no children. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and has worked most of his young life in recording studios as an audio engineer. He joined R & K in that capacity in May 1974. A quiet man, he enjoys playing the guitar and for outdoor activity, he likes motorcycle riding.

KEN BLACK - birthday Nov. 4, unmarried. Born in South Gate, CA and raised in nearby Lynwood. He played trombone in the Warren High School Band and after graduation worked as an assistant to his dad, Keith, renowned builder of racing engines. An excellent mechanic, Ken worked on one of Richard's cars and soon became interested in the group, finally joining them in July 1974. He now serves them as sound equipment technician.

JACK GRIFFITH - birthday Nov. 20, wife's name Shirley, proud father of a baby daughter. He was born in Brymar, PA and raised in King of Prussia, PA. He worked in the rhythm section of a musical group before joining Carpenters as a roadie. Newly hired, he will help set up drums and equipment and give a hand wherever it is needed. He loves sports and was an active participant in a Palm Springs softball league.

SANDY SPEVACK - birthday Sept. 25, unmarried. The Bronx, N.Y. was his birthplace and home until he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 14. After graduating from Hamilton High School, he entered the electronics field, both manufacturing and working with theatrical lighting equipment. Now one of Carpenters roadies, he works as a sound technician. He is a baseball and hockey fan, likes riding horseback, traveling, and meeting people. He is an animal lover and owns an Irish Setter named "Monday".

CUBBY O'BRIEN - was unavailable for an interview so will feature him in the next newsletter.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE CHANGE AND SOME ADDITIONS:

Riviera Club in as Vegas has been moved up 2 weeks. Instead of June 12 to 25, They will appear May 29th to June 11th. Their appearance in Erie, Pa. on July 20 will be at the County Field House. Also ADD to your schedule: April 21st - Fayetteville, N.C. at the Cumberland County Memoria1 Arena.

The following is for the month of May:

May 9th - Topeka, Kansas - Municipal

May 10th & 11th - Kansas City, Kansas - Memoria1 Hall

May 12th - Sioux City, Iowa - Municipal Aud.

May 13th - Bismark, ND - Civic Arena

Aug. 15th - Duluth, Minn. - Arena

Aug. 16th - Omaha, Neb. - Civic Auditorium

Aug. 17th - Minneapolis, Minn. - Auditorium

Aug. 19th thru 25th - Westchester, N.Y. - Premiere Theater

The Carpenter family and the Carpenter staff wish all of you a very Happy Easter and Passover, though we know the wish is a bit late. Also, a million thanks for the lovely Easter cards we have received. Carpenters will again have a softball team this summer and have 4 games scheduled - July 17th in Pine Knot, July 22 in Wallingford, July 29 in Warwick and Aug. 5th in the Garden State exact date, to be announced in next newsletter.

Rap in June EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #43 - June, 1975

Hi Fans:

Good news today! After months of taping 12-14 hours a day, the new album Horizon is completed, and will be released world wide this month. It's very difficult to select a favorite from Richard's superb arrangements but I'm partial to I Can Dream Can't I? Reminds me of the Big Band era.

Determined to lose weight, Karen has melted down to a mere 93 pounds. Exhausted from the demands or taping etc, she spent a short vacation with friends in the Virgin Islands who forced her to relax and rest by denying she the use of the telephone and trade publications. She returned with a lovely tan. Meanwhile, back home Richard spent some time enjoying his motorcycle. He and Karen thoughtfully took time to plan a fantastic surprise party for Mom & Dads 40th wedding anniversary.

A roomful or guests greeted them upon arrival at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which amazed them, as they were under the impression they were going to meet Richard & Karen only, for a quiet family dinner. The white and green floral centerpiece on the banquet table reached end to end, consisting or huge orchids, carnations and apple blossom. The 7 course meal included filet mignon, quiche Lorraine, individual chocolate cakes with whipped cream.

More surprises at gift opening time as Richard & Karen's gifts topped one another. First to be opened was a luxurious set of sterling silver and gold flatwear. (From friends, they received an elegant two drawer chest to house it in.) The second gift revealed a snapshot of their dining room, with a tiny pair or curtains and drapes affixed to the windows - an indication they would receive new ones for their Downey home. The next unwrappable gift item was a new car to replace the one that had been stolen from a shopping center parking lot. To warn them a new car would be forthcoming, a huge key (36" long) was created from silver art board, glued atop styrofoam, and placed on a length of chain with a fob closely resembling the one on the Carpenters keychain. The last girt to be opened was a real puzzler, and it was amusing watching Mom & Dads expressions as they tried to figure out the contents.

A tiny sail boat, sporting the Carpenter logo on the sails, and flying a minute American flag at the bow, sailing on a blue tissue paper ocean, and heading for a styrofoam flower covered island, indicating a forthcoming long dreamed of Caribbean cruise. They were not convinced of this until they saw the actual reserved tickets inside the package. So ended a superb party for two people who truly deserved this elaborate celebration.

As promised - here is a thumbnail bio for Cubby O'Brien. His wife's name is Marilyn, and they have a daughter, Alicia, 6+. He was born in Burbank, California on 14 July, and was raised in the Sun Valley area. At an early age he joined the Disney Mouseketeers, and played with them until they disbanded. As a drummer with Lawrence Welk Jr.'s band, he also sang and danced with Janet Lennon. At the ripe old age of 13 he conducted a big band comprising adult members, and played drums with them too. He played for a time with Spike Jones Sr.'s band, and was featured as drum soloist. He appeared in various t.v. commercials, and did some acting with Clint Walker in Cheyenne on tv. At Harrah's Club in Tahoe and Vegas, he appeared with Ann Margaret, and has guested on all her tv. specials. Jim Nabors, Juliet Prowse, Sergio Frankie and John Davidson are other celebrities for whom he has drummed and/or conducted orchestra. As a drummer, he was a Carol Burnett regular for 5 years, and it was on her show that he met Richard & Karen when they appeared as her guests. This past March he celebrated his second anniversary with the Carpenters. Cubby is friendly, though relatively quiet, with a dry sense of humor. His hobbies include scuba diving and spear fishing. He enjoys also cooking an occasional meal.

Those of you who have had an opportunity to attend a recent Carpenters concert, are no doubt delighted with the new program book. Richard & Karen were finally persuaded that it should contain some of their baby pictures. There are also a few pictures of Mom & Dad, past and present. John Bettis, the lyricist, is also featured in the book, plus the Carpenter Road family.

These books are obtainable thru the fan club.

NOTE TO JAPANESE FANS! There are tentative plans for a baseball game to be played in Japan, between the Carpenters team and Japanese disk jockeys. I hope to give you further details in the August newsletter. To-date there is no confirmation of exact location of the proposed four games to be scheduled in the U.S. Please consult your local D.J's or watch your local paper concerning the location of diamonds on which these games will be played.

We've had numerous inquiries pertaining to the Carpenters single Please Mr Postman. The question: Why did they release Please Mr Postman at the same time as the Boone family released theirs? The answer: The Carpenters actually recorded their version several months before the Boone family's release, and although the Carpenters version was released five weeks after the Boone's, they certainly did not get the idea to record Please Mr Postman from the Boone family.

Now for a question and answer session by popular demand.

Q: Which Carpenters album has been the biggest seller?

A: In the U.S. - Close To You. Worldwide - The Singles.

Q: Has Karen ever tried to teach Richard to play drums?

A. No.

Q. Have they ever appeared at the Troubadour and Whiskey-A-Go-GO?

A. Yes - when they were trying to break into the entertainment field.

Q. What were their favorite high school subjects?

A. The favorite of both was band. Richard also liked science, and typing and English were Karen's other most liked subjects.

Q. Did they ever receive any scholastic awards?

A: Richard received an award in the Chamber Music category for his piano expertise. Karen received the John Phillip Sousa award for drums.

Q. Do they each have their own doctor?

A. No. They have a family doctor. (Same one since moving to CA).

Q. Did they have any serious illnesses when they were youngsters?

A: Richard suffered frequent attacks of the croup, which at times forced him to fight for his breath, but outgrew same with no adverse effects.

Q. Have Richard and Karen ever ridden horses?

A. Richard wasn't interested, but Karen loves horses, and rode quite often while in high school.

Q: What is their favorite Holiday of the year, and why?

A. Christmas. It is the one holiday they know they will be able to spend with family and friends.

Q: Was Karen ever a cheerleader in high school?

A: No. She always played in the band.

Q: Does Karen have a favorite recipe she likes to prepare?

A: She loves to cook, and here is one of her many favorites.
PEACH MABEL
1 egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 pt. whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup cold water
2 drops almond flavoring
4 tbsp. butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 box vanilla wafers
2 cups peaches
1/2 tsp. salt
1 envelope plain gelatin

Place wafers in plastic bag, crush with rolling pin, then spread on baseof glass dish. Mix butter, sour cream, sugar, salt and flavors, blend inblender. Add egg and blend again. Mix gelatin with cold water, and blendwith other ingredients. Whip cream and add to peaches and other ingredient. Pour into wafer crust and place in refrigerator for several hours. The Nabisco vanilla wafers are available in most markets.

Hope to have more tour news next time. Rap later. Ev.

Hi Fans!

As we reach half time of summer vacations, Carpenters and staff wish you all a pleasant and safe one.

We extend gratitude for the numerous expressions or appreciation for the new album Horizon, which was shipped GOLD. Solitaire was released Friday, July 18th and we hope it follows suit.

Richard has decided against making a 'live' U.S. album, as most of the songs they do in concert are already on albums. Some are on two, such as The Singles, and he felt a third time around was a bit much.

We have some tour news, starting at the municipal Auditorium in Sioux City, Iowa. They had played there three years prior, and recalled with delight the concert they performed then with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.

Steve Martin, a relatively new comic, opened the show by playing a 5 string banjo and doing a hilarious comedy act.

Their next stop was the Civic Arena in Bismarck, South Dakota. Two year prior (on their first appearance there) the Carpenters were the second show to be booked there. Lawrence Welk was first. Their stay at the brand new Kirkwood Motor Inn was a very pleasant one with a very nice atmosphere.

In Jamestown, North Dakota, the concert had been sold out in advance. Although the weather was chilly, the audience was warm and receptive, giving a standing ovation.

The sound system in the arena at Duluth, Minnesota was a rare treat, and they managed to work in a second show. Dinner was sent in for the group between shows.

Richard & Karen were very impressed by the new Marquette Inn that was home to them May 17th. Richard described it as a super modern high rise. The hotel lobby located on the third floor, was beautifully decorated with red wallpaper, black furniture and white lamps etc. The Minneapolis Orchestra Hall was an elegant theater, and Richard was intrigued with the acoustics, he said the piano was as terrific as the audience.

The next day they hit four states and five cities. Here's how: From Minneapolis, Minnesota where they stayed overnight, flew to Chicago, Illinois and from there drove to South Bend, Indiana where they did a quick sound check at the theater, then on to the Royale Inn where they had day rooms to eat, shower and change clothes. Back to the theater to stage their show, after which everyone helped to break stage and pack in record time. They drove back to Chicago, where they boarded a plane to New York, NY. From there they hit the trail for Rye Town, Westchester county, where the weary travelers bed down at the Rye Town Hilton. They placed a big stamp of approval on the Premier Theater which Richard described as being like a theater-in-the-round cut in hair, and stage access was excellent. All shows went well, and WNBC TV came in to tape their performance of Top Of The World which they aired later on the local t.v. news.

The weather was so good, they held baseball practice, then went to a nearby ice cream parlor, and indulged in gourmet banana splits. They soon discovered practice was sorely needed. Skiles, Henderson, Strawn & Woodham were so far, their best players. The rest of the group were rather out of shape. Gene, a hotel security guard, offered to get a team together to play against the Carpenters. WHAT friends they turned out to be: All giants, and all state champions: First up they really creamed the Carpenters with a 6-0 score. The group felt better by the second game when 'the giants' lost to them 14-10.

When Karen found she had been assigned the 3 room Presidential Suite at the Hilton, she told the hotel manager she didn't need that much room, and would be happy with just the bedroom section, so they rented the living room section to a very nice business gentleman, but failed to advise Karen. Imagine her surprise and embarrassment when later that evening, she entered the suite via the living room and found it occupied!

A very unusual and edible gift was presented to Richard and Karen by Gale O'Mally, chief pastry maker at the Hilton. He created a beautiful grand piano and drum set of peanut brittle. The piano keyboard was made of marzipan and chocolate. Inside the piano lay a luscious bed of strawberries, coated with clear sugar glaze. The cymbals and the peg to drop open the piano were also made of chocolate. It looked too good to eat, but they enjoyed the beauty of it as long as they could before it began to melt, and they were forced to eat it.

The Riviera, Las Vegas was jammed with Carpenters freaks every night, and the shows went exceptionally well. The very talented Jose Feliciano had the opening spot which complemented the Carpenters show beautifully.

Richard had bought a new Cadillac Eldorado just prior to the Las Vegas gig, so he enjoyed driving it up there, being careful to use the cruise control to ensure he didn't exceed the 55 mph speed limit, consequently it took five hours to drive from Downey to Las Vegas.

He and Karen had the use of a lovely modern house there, with a pool and Jacuzzi for relaxation between shows. A pool in the middle of the desert with blazing 100 plus temperatures was a god-send indeed.

NOTE TO CHICAGO AREA FANS: An extra day has been added to the schedule at the Ravinia. Carpenters concerts will be staged August 12th and 13th.

I have room for a brief question and answer session listed below.

Q: When did Richard first start to wear glasses?

A: At age 12.

Q: In the centerfold picture of the new program book, do the two dogs belong to Karen?

A: No. They belong to the photographer.

Q: When Richard & John Bettis write a song, do they write the music or the lyrics first?

A: Sometimes John writes the lyrics to Richard's music, and sometimes Richard applies his music to John's lyrics.

Q: What is Richard's voice range?

A: Low A for two octaves.

Q: What is Karen's voice range?

A: D below middle C to C above high C.

Q: Who is Ron Gorow who is frequently credited on Carpenters albums?

A: Ron is Richard's copyist. He places the music notes on paper as Richard plays them.

Q: How tall are Richard and Karen? What color hair and eyes?

A: Richard - 6ft. Hazel eyes, light brown hair. Karen - 5ft. 4 1/2". Brown eyes and brown hair.

Q: Do the Carpenters receive free copies of newspapers and magazines in which their pictures appear?

A: No. In fact many times they are unaware of various articles and picture until a friend advises them, or until they receive a clipping from a fan, which prompts me to take this opportunity to thank you all for them, all such data is placed in the Carpenters 'Book Of Memories'.

ITEM U.S.PRICE FOREIGN PRICE

Charm bracelet $2.00 $2.50

Sew-on-patch 2 for $1.00 2 for $1.25

Book covers 6 for $.50 6 for $1.00

Posters $2.00 $3.00

Playing cards (double deck only) $2.00 $3.00

T-shirt (Adult) all sizes $2.50 $3.00

T-shirt (Child) sizes 6-16 $1.50 $2.00

Concert programs (old) $1.25 $1.25

Needlepoint kit (Belt or frame) $4.00

(karencarpenter.com note: Do not try to order these items, the club is long since closed).

Rap in October, EV.

Hi fan!

The following is a statement from Richard concerning the Neil Sedaka/Las Vegas affair: "When the Carpenters play concerts, they invite someone to be their opening act. In the case of our last summer tour and Las Vegas engagements, we asked Neil Sedaka to open the show. It often happens in our business, not only with the Carpenters, but also with other headliners, that the choice of the opening act proves to be unsuitable for personal, or other reasons. Under those circumstances, the headliner has no option but to terminate the engagement of the opener. This was the situation with Neil.

Please be assured that we DID NOT fire Neil Sedaka for doing too well. In fact we were delighted that he was receiving a nice response from the audience. It was a result or other circumstances of which he is totally aware that made it necessary for us to terminate his engagement. Since he has full knowledge of all the background acts, it is a disappointment to us that he had found it necessary to make statements concerning same to the press. Personally, the Las Vegas/Sedaka  issue is an old matter, and right now I am much more concerned with Karen's health, and writing new songs".

Carpenters send sincere regrets to their loyal fans in Japan for the cancellation or the Japanese tour due to Karen's illness. She appreciates your sympathetic understanding, and deep concern for her health. She is very slowly improving, but has been prohibited by her physicians from all physical and professional activities until the end of October.

Richard flew to Japan with Terry Ellis (Karen's boyfriend) for a Press conference and business meeting with the Japanese promoters. And Richard made a public announcement to the people of Japan. They hope to return next Spring.

Many thanks from Karen for the numerous get well cards, and from Richard for the lovely birthday cards.

We now have in stock some brand new Carpenters keepsakes, and have new prices for some of the old items.

Item U.S. Members Foreign Members

POCKET SIZE MEMO PAD WITH COVER (RED or BLACK) $.50 $.75

PENNANT WITH NEW SILHOUETTE (AUTOGRAPHED) $1.00 $1.25

FLUORESCENT DECALS (SELF ADHESIVE) 10 FOR $1.00 $1.25

DESK ORGANIZER (avocado or YELLOW) $1.50 $2.00

FAN CLUB STATIONERY PAD (100 SHEETS) $2.00 $2.25

SET of NEWSLETTERS WITH COVER $1.75 $2.50

POSTER "D" (THE LATEST) $1.75 $2.50

COASTERS (YELLOW/BLACK SILHOUETTE) SET or 6 $2.00 (SETS ONLY) $2.25

New prices for existing merchandise

BOOK COVERS 6 for $1.00 $1.50

SEW ON PATCH 2 for $1.00 $1.25

T-SHIRTS (CHILDREN'S-ALL SIZES & COLORS) $2.00 $2.00

T-SHIRTS (ADULT'S-ALL SIZES & COLORS) $2.50 $3.00

CHARM BRACELET $2.00 $2.50

POSTERS $2.00 $3.00

NEEDLEPOINT KITS (BELTS OR FRAMES) STATE COLOR $3.50 $4.25

BELT BUCKLE (CAST) CARPENTER LOGO $4.00 $4.25

POSTER B $1.50 $2.25

(karencarpenter.com note: Do not try to order these items, the club is long since closed).

The baseball game scheduled for Japan was rained out. Richard, supported by King Records personnel, planned to play against local D.Js, but a downpour benched his good intentions. Of the six games played state-side, the Carpenters won all but one. They lost the first game to the Pine Knob all Stars 21-18. In Hartford, Connecticut they were the victors when they played Channel 3 TV celebrities. The score 20-2. Games 3 and 4 were played in Warwick, Rhode Island. Carpenters won the first game 15-13 in 9 innings against WPRO Radio celebrities Pro team. Determined to beat the Carpenters, Warwick fortified their team by adding former professional ball players, and challenged them to a second game which was played in 105 degree heat. At the end of the first inning, Carpenters had already scored 5-0. On Warwick's last up, with two outs, Richard went back into the outfield and made a lucky crazy catch which was a fluke, but resulted in another score for the Carpenters 19-11.

Garden State was also host for two games. The first was played against Garden State newsmen, and celebrities from WNBC Radio and ABC TV including some or the Stars of All My Children. That score was 18-8 in favor of the Carpenters. They accepted the challenge from another team for second game, winning by one point 13-12. This time they played the theater crew and local Sheriff's Deputies. All games were once again played for the benefit or the Cancer Society, and were acknowledged with letters, certificates or trophies.

The Summer tour was the most extensive & exhausting one they'd ever had, dating from April 3 to September 3. In Toronto they did 5 shows in 3 days which left no time for sightseeing or shopping. Cubby turned another year older in Cuyahoga Falls, so they bought him a birthday cake, then found he was on diet and couldn't indulge! He exercised extreme will power.

In Pine Knob, Michigan they managed to spend some time with old buddy Wes Jacobs who was part of the Carpenter trio back in '65 and '66. Wes played bass with them when they won so many trophies in the Hollywood Bowl "Battle of The Bands". He still plays tuba with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

After their Erie, Pennsylvania gig, they went (the same night) to Wallingford, Connecticut, and got lost from the airport to their hotel. John Bettis, the other half of the Carpenter/Bettis song writing team, joined them there, and all enjoyed visiting relatives and old friends. Mrs. Catello Cuticello, the former Debbie Vaiuso, a New Haven schoolmate and close friend of Karen, invited them to dinner where they thoroughly enjoyed good old fashioned, home cooked Italian meal.

Another old friend, Jim Anthony also paid them visit. Jim was drummer for the Carpenters several years ago. Karen enjoyed shopping spree with New Haven friends, patronizing some of the stores she remembered from her childhood days.

In Warwick, the 105 degrees temperature climbed to 121 degrees on stage, and by the time the gig ended, they were all drenched in their own perspiration.

They were delighted with Newport, which Karen described as a 'cute' town. Their hotel was located short distance from where Jaws had been filmed.

August 2nd was "Bear's" birthday, as well as the 2nd wedding anniversary of Pete and Lenny Henderson, so the gang surprised the three of them with party. Cubby & Richard did the driving here in two identical rental cars, and one night, Cubby unknowingly drove off in Richard's car. Cubby's car key happened to fit Richard's car, but unfortunately Richard's key didn't fit Cubby's car, so once again Richard was stranded. This time he rented one of the hotel's limos and did his own driving to the Warwick gig.

While performing in Columbia, Maryland, they were houseguests of their Aunt and Uncle, Mr. & Mrs., Paul Rudolph and family.

In Maryland, they always look forward to a crab feast, and this time they enjoyed one at Gordons Seafood restaurant, where they later did some impromptu entertaining, much to the delight of the manager and other diners.

The Astor Tower was home to them during their Chicago engagement at the Lavinia. Karen described the gig as 'weird' because they couldn't see the 10,000 people in the audience seated on the lawn.

The Captain & Tenille attended one of their performances, and Richard and Karen returned the compliment by attending one or their shows while in Chicago. They also saw Gino Vanelli at "Mr. Kelly's".

After Chicago, they were to have six day breather before opening in Las Vegas, so, with the biggest part of the tour behind them, they boarded the jet for the happy flight home.

We're all trying to get Karen well enough now for their European tour. Hope to have much better news of her next time. Rap again. EV.

Rap next year. EV